Candlelight Processional Dinner - Watching & Waiting

[vicki_c]

Do we know what the last day of the CP is?

I think in the past it was December 30th, maybe 29th.

 

[MandM22]

Any news? Rumors? Maybe July?

 

[Kathy Z]

That is the only reservation remaining for hundreds (if not thousands) of us. Join the anxious party!

 

[LBollengier]

Same here. I checked today and was told they were blocked off but not released yet and that it would be any day now. Gonna keep checking

I read on a board that LeCellier is making big changes in September (going to signature dining).. My wonderful DU agent Beth has been trying to get us just a reservation for them on the night we want to do Candlelight Processional but they are telling her it is all full. She is hoping that some spots will open up with the CP packages...

THat will be the only disappointment of our trip if we can't get in LeCellier... What do you guys think? Is it because of the status change and maybe it will open up or is it hopeless?

 

[stephielela]

When I called about some of my reservations, i asked if they were holding back a lot of reservations at Epcot in general for the CPP and she said yes. which makes sense because I couldn't get a 4pm Les Chefs de France of all things. I had no problem getting a 7:45 Le Cellier though.

 

[ms mouse]

We were actually able to get Le cellier twice during our trip Christmas week, of course I booked them at 7 am the first day I could book. I think this puts some people with TAs at a disadvantage.

If it does go to signature you may see some cancellations.

 

[mickey2000]

I was told that I could change one of my two December Le Cellier reservations to a CP when it becomes available in thier computer

 

[4forthemouse]

I was told that I could change one of my two December Le Cellier reservations to a CP when it becomes available in thier computer

I was told the opposite. If I made a dining reservation now it would be cancelled when I switched to CP.

Also, regarding the Le Cellier signature dining switch, I believe this is suppose to happen in January.

 

[simonmunro]

Just hoping it is soon, and that I know about it a few minutes ahead of time!

 

[Cafeen]

I read on a board that LeCellier is making big changes in September (going to signature dining).. My wonderful DU agent Beth has been trying to get us just a reservation for them on the night we want to do Candlelight Processional but they are telling her it is all full. She is hoping that some spots will open up with the CP packages...

THat will be the only disappointment of our trip if we can't get in LeCellier... What do you guys think? Is it because of the status change and maybe it will open up or is it hopeless?

The status change is not likely to happen until Jan (down on Rumors and News, same person who broke the changes posted an update on them awhile ago). So it's doubtful that that is what's causing it. I'm guessing that they held back a large amount of tables for CP packages, couple that with the popularity of the restaurant on a normal day, add to the amount of people booking in hopes of later booking CP packages, and the teeny tiny place gets booked solid and then some.

For you, I'd just keep trying. People make and remake plans all the time.

 

[devjam]

There seems to be a LOT of DISers who want this package. We've never been, so I'm really curious about why there is such interest and anticipation by everyone. With other events, the interest was obvious. But I'm not seeing it with this one. Is it more for adults? Can someone share some info or give me a thread link that can help me determine if I should plan this for my family? We have 2 little girls.

 

[ms mouse]

It really a personal opinion and I am sure there are some people who would not see this as a special event. It is a very special part of our Christmas trip. For us Christ is a very important part of Christmas and this really brings that home for us. While there is traditional Christmas music there is also the reading of the Christmas story in a very easy to enjoy way. Not church but more of a celebration. I am not trying cause a conflict or place our views on others, to attend is really a choice, just trying to give you some information so you can make the right choice for your family.

 

[ms mouse]

I read on a board that LeCellier is making big changes in September (going to signature dining).. My wonderful DU agent Beth has been trying to get us just a reservation for them on the night we want to do Candlelight Processional but they are telling her it is all full. She is hoping that some spots will open up with the CP packages...

THat will be the only disappointment of our trip if we can't get in LeCellier... What do you guys think? Is it because of the status change and maybe it will open up or is it hopeless?

Remember also in our experience the times that CP packages are offered are more "off times". Plan to eat Lunch at 2 or maybe dinner at 4.

 

[Kathy Z]

I agree with ms mouse. This is the one activity that WDW does during the Christmas season that has Jesus Christ as the center focus. While I enjoy all of the secular decorations, shows & themes the Candlelight Processional is my favorite presentation. If your children can sit quietly for 45 minutes they are old enough to enjoy this. If they are more active and would be a disturbance to others please wait until they are older and ready to sit and listen to a performance of music and narration.

The one comment during our December 2009 trip that really upset me was made by a woman waiting for her lunch ADR in EPCOT the day after we and (apparently she) had viewed the Candlelight Processional the preceeding night. She was trash talking Disney to all of her friends for being so "non politically correct" with what was said by the narrator of that show. All the narrator had done was give a two sentence personal testimony to what this portion of the scripture meant to him.

Disney has something for everyone. It's up to us to have a clue about what we're willing to pay extra money for to attend.

Here is information from last year's Candlelight Processional Package:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/holidays/candlelight_processional.htm#narrators

 

[Cookie55]

It isn't Christmas for me without it. Eagerly anticipating word with the rest of you!

 

[MagicJourneys]

It's always ended before NYE on 12/30

Some people go to see major stars like Whoopi Goldberg or Isabella Rossellini; some go to hear the Christmas story; some go for the amazing music (150 voice choir; Voice of Liberty; 50+ piece orchestra).

Candlelight, as Whoopi said in 2009, is a personal experience for each person who comes. People have cried, screamed for joy, stood up and clapped, and yes, some have walked away saying it's just another Disney show.

If you're going to see a star/narrator, do the CP package and get in line early. If you're going for the music, the narration, the experience - then it won't matter where you are.

 

[Dr Ellis]

This wait only gets more interesting!

 

[glnrcker]

This wait only gets more interesting

I'd say it only gets more frustrating! Like lots of other people, all of our other plans are set, this is all we are waiting for. IMHO, Disney dropped the ball on this one. If all other ressies are available at 180 days out, then CP should have been available as well. Even if they needed to add the narrator list later on. I'm calling every morning, and always getting a different guess from the CM as to when it will be open for booking. C'mon already!!

Oooh, I needed to vent!!

 

[Tricia1972]

I am glad that I'm not in the waiting game for this one. They really should open them up at the same time you can make the rest of your ADRs.

Hope that you guys aren't waiting until August again this year.

 

[Cinderella1122]

I agree with everyone's frustrations. I am taking my parents and siblings for their first christmas at Disney. We are only doing 2 TS and the rest of our meals are going to be CS or made in our room. So far I have Hoop Dee Doo booked for my mom's 50th bday present and I really want a CP package since I enjoyed the package last year.

I'm worried that with all this waiting it will be extremely difficult to get one.